Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed the China Maldives Friendship Bridge will be inaugurated before the end of August.
Speaking in a press conference held at Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, minister Muizzu stated the development of the bridge is progressing ahead of schedule, adding the project will be completed before the end of next month. Moreover, minister Muizzu reiterated the bridge is contracted to be completed by September 25, stating the contracted company has assured to complete the project before the date.
Noting the government did not confirm the bridge will be operational on July 26, the minister said the contracted company was aiming to inaugurate the bridge on July 26 as it is Independence Day of Maldives. Furthermore, the housing minister expressed July 9 will be marked in history as it marks the day Malé will be connected with Hulhule' via land transportation. In addition, minister Muizzu highlighted tarring the upper deck of the bridge and installation of lights will commence when the two islands are connected by the mega structure.
The China Maldives Friendship Bridge constructed connecting Malé and Hulhule' is 1.39 kilometres long and 20.3 metres wide. The bridge is designed with four lanes, with two lanes for vehicles with four wheels, one lane for motorcycles and one for pedestrians.
The USD 300 million project was contracted to CCCC Second Harbour Engineering Company. Of the USD 300 million, USD 100 million is granted by the government of China, with 30 million U.S dollars spent by the Maldivian government. The remaining USD 170 million was provided as loan aid by the government of China.